Policemen seek home
for new PAL program
By dave benjamin
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN — Representatives of the new Manalapan Police Athletic League (PAL) have asked municipal officials for help in securing a home for the program.
The PAL would serve youngsters in Manalapan and Englishtown, according to Manalapan police officers Lt. Denis Brady, Patrolman Reginald Grant and Patrolman Charles Mazzatto, who addressed the Township Committee at a recent meeting.
"We have received a lot of interest on the part of children, and their parents, who want to sign up for the PAL," Grant said. "Although you have given us the approval, we are at this time in need of a facility to house the program."
Grant said directors of the PAL have identified the former Manalapan teen center on Route 33 near Millhurst Road as a possible home for the program.
"That facility would allow us to run the programs we’re trying to start for the PAL, such as basketball, a computer and homework group for the children and a variety of sporting events," the officer said.
Grant said he has been in contact with Ken Weber, president of the Manalapan- Englishtown Education Association, and said the union leader had given his approval to the new program. The officer told members of the governing body he was informed there are teachers who may be willing to support the PAL by volunteering their time to help children with their homework and studies.
"There is an enormous amount of money available to the Police Athletic League to renovate the building," Brady said. "We can acquire a long-term lease from the township. We can acquire the funding to completely renovate the building at no cost to the township."
Brady said funds to run programs and purchase supplies are needed. He said Everlast has already donated $5,000 worth of athletic equipment. He said grants are available from national sports organizations to aid PAL programming.
The officers said the Howell PAL is willing to donate items as well.
Committeewoman Mary Cozzolino asked how many children may be interested in the PAL.
Grant said that figure was not available at the moment. The officer said he speaks with youngsters frequently while he is on patrol in the township. He said parents have been asking when children can be signed up.
Cozzolino asked about the facilities and equipment at the Route 33 location.
Brady said there is a half-court basketball court and a volleyball court in place. The PAL directors want to put in some classrooms at the building, he said.
"What’s holding us up is that we don’t have a location," the lieutenant said. "We need a place."
Brady said the former teen center building appears to be adequate and there is enough room for the program to grow.
The lieutenant said the program is backed by Police Chief John G. McCor-mack and 43 officers have said they are committed to assist in the program.
"As an inner city kid I think this is a great idea," said Committeewoman Beth Ward.
Mayor Rebecca Aaronson said the township attorney has been asked to review the officers’ proposal as it relates to the use of the building.